Family Crucible

I just finished re-reading The Family Crucible by Dr. Augustus Napier and Dr. Carl Whitaker. This is one of my books from graduate school at Gordon Conwell. It's a fascinating book and takes the reader on a journey through a fictional family in family therapy. Family therapy is exactly what it sounds like--the whole family participates int the therapeutic process, not just individuals on their own.

Family therapy is a really different approach to therapy. It is based on the idea that the whole family system is responsible for the problems families experience... not just individuals. So, when there are martial problems, or a "black sheep" in the family, or a trouble maker... this is a result of the whole family's interactions, and not just the individual. Some people get "scape goated" into being the focus of the family's "problems." It's an easy way to take the heat off what's going on in the rest of the family.

I think this is a fascinating approach, and if I were to be a counselor at some point, I think I would like to do this kind of therapy. BUT, this is pretty complex since you have so many people involved.

I often wonder what it would be like to be a counselor. But honestly, I haven't had the guts to go DO this. For some years, it was due to financial reasons. I couldn't support myself and do the hours of training needed to obtain licensure. But this is less of a reason now. So, we'll see where this leads. It's been nice to go re-read some of my old grad school materials and feel re-energized by the concepts there. If nothing else, it is giving me a new way of looking at issues.

Anyway... enough pondering for one day. I would love your prayers as I explore counseling opportunities, even if it is on a volunteer basis. Have a good day!